Jamie Hancock
@j-hancock.bsky.social
Digital policy @demos-uk.bsky.social
Tech, rights, info environments, privacy, labour
(Views are my own; read at your own risk)
Tech, rights, info environments, privacy, labour
(Views are my own; read at your own risk)
I provided a few thoughts for Demos on the Budget's announcement of an expansion of the UK's welfare fraud and error recovery systems
For more background, here’s a recent piece which highlights the risks and harms that automated welfare systems visit on vulnerable people demos.co.uk/blogs/puttin...
For more background, here’s a recent piece which highlights the risks and harms that automated welfare systems visit on vulnerable people demos.co.uk/blogs/puttin...
November 27, 2025 at 10:54 AM
I provided a few thoughts for Demos on the Budget's announcement of an expansion of the UK's welfare fraud and error recovery systems
For more background, here’s a recent piece which highlights the risks and harms that automated welfare systems visit on vulnerable people demos.co.uk/blogs/puttin...
For more background, here’s a recent piece which highlights the risks and harms that automated welfare systems visit on vulnerable people demos.co.uk/blogs/puttin...
I'm so proud to see this research I was involved with is now out. It charts the global spread of digital border and watchlisting surveillance systems. Driven by the UN Security Council, IoM, EU and US, these infrastructures threaten human rights worldwide
November 27, 2025 at 10:44 AM
I'm so proud to see this research I was involved with is now out. It charts the global spread of digital border and watchlisting surveillance systems. Driven by the UN Security Council, IoM, EU and US, these infrastructures threaten human rights worldwide
Reposted by Jamie Hancock
A better welfare system is possible - one that treats people with dignity, compassion, and care 🤝
In our latest online listening with @demos-uk.bsky.social, we continue to see people's experience of the welfare system as inaccessible, inflexible, and inhumane. 1/2
In our latest online listening with @demos-uk.bsky.social, we continue to see people's experience of the welfare system as inaccessible, inflexible, and inhumane. 1/2
October 2, 2025 at 7:49 AM
A better welfare system is possible - one that treats people with dignity, compassion, and care 🤝
In our latest online listening with @demos-uk.bsky.social, we continue to see people's experience of the welfare system as inaccessible, inflexible, and inhumane. 1/2
In our latest online listening with @demos-uk.bsky.social, we continue to see people's experience of the welfare system as inaccessible, inflexible, and inhumane. 1/2
“I’m feeling sick from fear about this transition from Employment Support Allowance to Universal Credit. I’ve lost several hundred pounds”
This is one of hundreds of stories from my research into financial hardship and the welfare system with @jrf-uk.bsky.social
This is one of hundreds of stories from my research into financial hardship and the welfare system with @jrf-uk.bsky.social
Putting humanity at the heart of welfare
Demos is Britain’s leading cross-party think-tank. We produce original research, publish innovative thinkers and host thought-provoking events.
demos.co.uk
October 1, 2025 at 2:38 PM
“I’m feeling sick from fear about this transition from Employment Support Allowance to Universal Credit. I’ve lost several hundred pounds”
This is one of hundreds of stories from my research into financial hardship and the welfare system with @jrf-uk.bsky.social
This is one of hundreds of stories from my research into financial hardship and the welfare system with @jrf-uk.bsky.social
Reposted by Jamie Hancock
✍ NEW BLOG | Putting humanity at the heart of welfare
@j-hancock.bsky.social reflects on 13 years of online conversations evidencing the enduring challenges that people face when navigating the #welfare system.
This blog draws from our ongoing Online Listening research with @jrf-uk.bsky.social.
@j-hancock.bsky.social reflects on 13 years of online conversations evidencing the enduring challenges that people face when navigating the #welfare system.
This blog draws from our ongoing Online Listening research with @jrf-uk.bsky.social.
Putting humanity at the heart of welfare
Demos is Britain’s leading cross-party think-tank. We produce original research, publish innovative thinkers and host thought-provoking events.
demos.co.uk
October 1, 2025 at 12:42 PM
✍ NEW BLOG | Putting humanity at the heart of welfare
@j-hancock.bsky.social reflects on 13 years of online conversations evidencing the enduring challenges that people face when navigating the #welfare system.
This blog draws from our ongoing Online Listening research with @jrf-uk.bsky.social.
@j-hancock.bsky.social reflects on 13 years of online conversations evidencing the enduring challenges that people face when navigating the #welfare system.
This blog draws from our ongoing Online Listening research with @jrf-uk.bsky.social.
Reposted by Jamie Hancock
DEUTSCHE: NVIDIA "is currently carrying the weight of US economic growth. The bad news is that in order for the tech cycle to continue contributing to GDP growth, capital investment needs to remain parabolic. This is highly unlikely.”
@fortune.com
fortune.com/2025/09/23/a...
@fortune.com
fortune.com/2025/09/23/a...
The AI boom is unsustainable unless tech spending goes ‘parabolic,’ Deutsche Bank warns: ‘This is highly unlikely’ | Fortune
“In the absence of tech-related spending, the U.S. would be close to, or in, recession this year,” George Saravelos says.
fortune.com
September 23, 2025 at 11:09 AM
DEUTSCHE: NVIDIA "is currently carrying the weight of US economic growth. The bad news is that in order for the tech cycle to continue contributing to GDP growth, capital investment needs to remain parabolic. This is highly unlikely.”
@fortune.com
fortune.com/2025/09/23/a...
@fortune.com
fortune.com/2025/09/23/a...
Reposted by Jamie Hancock
✍OPINION | From Southport to Epping, social media's failure to act is fuelling racist violence.
Researcher, @naemamalik.bsky.social, warns we risk seeing more riots, division and unrest in our communities unless platforms are held to account and adopt new practices to address online misinformation.
Researcher, @naemamalik.bsky.social, warns we risk seeing more riots, division and unrest in our communities unless platforms are held to account and adopt new practices to address online misinformation.
From Southport to Epping, social media's failure to act is fuelling racist violence
Recent disorder in Epping shows how urgently effective moderation of social media platform moderation is needed.
www.bigissue.com
September 1, 2025 at 10:17 AM
✍OPINION | From Southport to Epping, social media's failure to act is fuelling racist violence.
Researcher, @naemamalik.bsky.social, warns we risk seeing more riots, division and unrest in our communities unless platforms are held to account and adopt new practices to address online misinformation.
Researcher, @naemamalik.bsky.social, warns we risk seeing more riots, division and unrest in our communities unless platforms are held to account and adopt new practices to address online misinformation.
Reposted by Jamie Hancock
What did we find?
➡️ Rising employment concerns – just as the @resfoundation.bsky.social predicts unemployment could hit 5% in the three months to August.
➡️ Persistent fears about the benefits system – following the recent welfare reform u-turn & uncertainty.
➡️ Rising employment concerns – just as the @resfoundation.bsky.social predicts unemployment could hit 5% in the three months to August.
➡️ Persistent fears about the benefits system – following the recent welfare reform u-turn & uncertainty.
August 28, 2025 at 8:45 AM
What did we find?
➡️ Rising employment concerns – just as the @resfoundation.bsky.social predicts unemployment could hit 5% in the three months to August.
➡️ Persistent fears about the benefits system – following the recent welfare reform u-turn & uncertainty.
➡️ Rising employment concerns – just as the @resfoundation.bsky.social predicts unemployment could hit 5% in the three months to August.
➡️ Persistent fears about the benefits system – following the recent welfare reform u-turn & uncertainty.
Reposted by Jamie Hancock
🚨 NEW REPORT: "It's tough out there".
In partnership with @jrf-uk.bsky.social, we’ve been analysing new online listening data to understand how people are talking about financial hardship – unprompted, in their own words.
demos.co.uk/research/its...
In partnership with @jrf-uk.bsky.social, we’ve been analysing new online listening data to understand how people are talking about financial hardship – unprompted, in their own words.
demos.co.uk/research/its...
“It’s tough out there”: An online forum listening exercise revealing how people are talking about financial hardship
Demos is Britain’s leading cross-party think-tank. We produce original research, publish innovative thinkers and host thought-provoking events.
demos.co.uk
August 28, 2025 at 8:45 AM
🚨 NEW REPORT: "It's tough out there".
In partnership with @jrf-uk.bsky.social, we’ve been analysing new online listening data to understand how people are talking about financial hardship – unprompted, in their own words.
demos.co.uk/research/its...
In partnership with @jrf-uk.bsky.social, we’ve been analysing new online listening data to understand how people are talking about financial hardship – unprompted, in their own words.
demos.co.uk/research/its...
Reposted by Jamie Hancock
💭 BLOG | Polls apart? A novel way of understanding financial hardship
Demos' Billy Huband-Thompson and @j-hancock.bsky.social reflect on new research with @jrf-uk.bsky.social and the value of online listening methods to capture the feelings of those on the sharp end of government policies.
Demos' Billy Huband-Thompson and @j-hancock.bsky.social reflect on new research with @jrf-uk.bsky.social and the value of online listening methods to capture the feelings of those on the sharp end of government policies.
Polls apart? A novel way of understanding financial hardship
Demos is Britain’s leading cross-party think-tank. We produce original research, publish innovative thinkers and host thought-provoking events.
demos.co.uk
August 28, 2025 at 10:27 AM
💭 BLOG | Polls apart? A novel way of understanding financial hardship
Demos' Billy Huband-Thompson and @j-hancock.bsky.social reflect on new research with @jrf-uk.bsky.social and the value of online listening methods to capture the feelings of those on the sharp end of government policies.
Demos' Billy Huband-Thompson and @j-hancock.bsky.social reflect on new research with @jrf-uk.bsky.social and the value of online listening methods to capture the feelings of those on the sharp end of government policies.
Reposted by Jamie Hancock
Update: I spoke with the U.K. Environment Agency and got some numbers.
they believe deleting 1,000 emails with attachments could save about 77.5 liters of water a year.
they also said they're estimating data centers will consume 280 billion liters a year, world wide, by the end of the decade
they believe deleting 1,000 emails with attachments could save about 77.5 liters of water a year.
they also said they're estimating data centers will consume 280 billion liters a year, world wide, by the end of the decade
sorry you're experiencing record breaking temperatures and drought. Have you tried deleted some of photos of your grandmother about it?
UK Asks People to Delete Emails In Order to Save Water During Drought
As Britain experiences one of its worst droughts in decades, its leaders suggest people get rid of old data to reduce stress on data centers.
www.404media.co
August 13, 2025 at 9:03 PM
Update: I spoke with the U.K. Environment Agency and got some numbers.
they believe deleting 1,000 emails with attachments could save about 77.5 liters of water a year.
they also said they're estimating data centers will consume 280 billion liters a year, world wide, by the end of the decade
they believe deleting 1,000 emails with attachments could save about 77.5 liters of water a year.
they also said they're estimating data centers will consume 280 billion liters a year, world wide, by the end of the decade
Reposted by Jamie Hancock
like I think we perhaps have not been talking enough about the utterly staggering amount of highly sensitive information that we absolutely know people around the world are pumping into corporate LLM tools at all times nowadays
ChatGPT is probably the biggest honey pot of willingly-turned over highly confidential information that has ever been created in human history.
also, so many of these people are just taking company confidential, proprietary data and dumping it into public iterations of ChatGPT, which is so incredibly problematic on so many levels. Even on our internal approved tools I have to tell people to turn them off when discussing certain legal stuff!
August 11, 2025 at 6:00 PM
like I think we perhaps have not been talking enough about the utterly staggering amount of highly sensitive information that we absolutely know people around the world are pumping into corporate LLM tools at all times nowadays
Reposted by Jamie Hancock
the UK’s Internet age verification law has led to the effective censorship of all LGBT content on Reddit
what a shocking and unexpected turn of events!
what a shocking and unexpected turn of events!
July 25, 2025 at 2:01 AM
the UK’s Internet age verification law has led to the effective censorship of all LGBT content on Reddit
what a shocking and unexpected turn of events!
what a shocking and unexpected turn of events!
Reposted by Jamie Hancock
ICYMI-- I did.
A study of software developers found it took them 19% more time to do their work when they used AI tools.
At the same time, they *perceived* they had saved time. They thought they would work faster and so they falsely "believed AI had sped them up by 20%."
A study of software developers found it took them 19% more time to do their work when they used AI tools.
At the same time, they *perceived* they had saved time. They thought they would work faster and so they falsely "believed AI had sped them up by 20%."
Measuring the Impact of Early-2025 AI on Experienced Open-Source Developer Productivity
We conduct a randomized controlled trial to understand how early-2025 AI tools affect the productivity of experienced open-source developers working on their own repositories. Surprisingly, we find th...
metr.org
July 21, 2025 at 10:19 AM
ICYMI-- I did.
A study of software developers found it took them 19% more time to do their work when they used AI tools.
At the same time, they *perceived* they had saved time. They thought they would work faster and so they falsely "believed AI had sped them up by 20%."
A study of software developers found it took them 19% more time to do their work when they used AI tools.
At the same time, they *perceived* they had saved time. They thought they would work faster and so they falsely "believed AI had sped them up by 20%."
Reposted by Jamie Hancock
Remember when kids were told coding is a ‘job of the future’ and told to join code camps?
Jamie Bartlett on how it is hard to predict the future
jamiejbartlett.substack.com/p/is-coding-...
Jamie Bartlett on how it is hard to predict the future
jamiejbartlett.substack.com/p/is-coding-...
July 21, 2025 at 11:06 AM
Remember when kids were told coding is a ‘job of the future’ and told to join code camps?
Jamie Bartlett on how it is hard to predict the future
jamiejbartlett.substack.com/p/is-coding-...
Jamie Bartlett on how it is hard to predict the future
jamiejbartlett.substack.com/p/is-coding-...
Reposted by Jamie Hancock
As someone actually trained in behavioural psychology—unlike most MPs—I can tell you: financial precarity doesn’t “incentivise” sick people to work. It breaks them. Stress worsens health. Fear doesn’t create productivity. It creates collapse. #TakingThePIP
DWP boss just said Universal Credit gives disabled people 'perverse incentives' not to work
Liz Kendall's shocking comments came just as a new report slams the DWP for failing vulnerable claimants.
So which is it???
www.thecanary.co/uk/analysis/...
Liz Kendall's shocking comments came just as a new report slams the DWP for failing vulnerable claimants.
So which is it???
www.thecanary.co/uk/analysis/...
DWP boss just said Universal Credit gives disabled people 'perverse incentives' not to work
Liz Kendall believes people on benefits are incentivised not to work - yet a new report slams the DWP for failing vulnerable claimants
www.thecanary.co
July 20, 2025 at 8:23 AM
As someone actually trained in behavioural psychology—unlike most MPs—I can tell you: financial precarity doesn’t “incentivise” sick people to work. It breaks them. Stress worsens health. Fear doesn’t create productivity. It creates collapse. #TakingThePIP
Reposted by Jamie Hancock
NEW: Inside Gaza’s ‘death traps’ via @FT
GHF’s plan forces hungry Palestinians to trek miles to aid sites, often through the IDF’s active military areas. Hundreds have been killed and thousands injured. This is how…
www.ft.com/content/6c74...
GHF’s plan forces hungry Palestinians to trek miles to aid sites, often through the IDF’s active military areas. Hundreds have been killed and thousands injured. This is how…
www.ft.com/content/6c74...
Inside Gaza’s ‘death traps’
[FREE TO READ] A US-backed scheme forces hungry Palestinians to trek kilometres for food aid. Many never make it back
www.ft.com
July 14, 2025 at 6:19 AM
NEW: Inside Gaza’s ‘death traps’ via @FT
GHF’s plan forces hungry Palestinians to trek miles to aid sites, often through the IDF’s active military areas. Hundreds have been killed and thousands injured. This is how…
www.ft.com/content/6c74...
GHF’s plan forces hungry Palestinians to trek miles to aid sites, often through the IDF’s active military areas. Hundreds have been killed and thousands injured. This is how…
www.ft.com/content/6c74...
I analysed hundreds of X posts about the Southport riots which received Community Notes. They were full of racism and Islamophobic hate that fuelled far right violence
Yet only 4.6% of the Community Notes we analysed were made public during the riots
Community Notes are not fit for purpose
Yet only 4.6% of the Community Notes we analysed were made public during the riots
Community Notes are not fit for purpose
🚨 New report: Researching the Riots - evaluating #CommunityNotes during the 2024 Southport riots.
Demos research explores how the abject failure of moderation systems left #misinformation and harmful content to spread unchecked during the 2024 #SouthportRiots.
Read here ⬇️
Demos research explores how the abject failure of moderation systems left #misinformation and harmful content to spread unchecked during the 2024 #SouthportRiots.
Read here ⬇️
Researching the riots: An evaluation of the efficacy of Community Notes during the 2024 Southport riots
Demos is Britain’s leading cross-party think-tank. We produce original research, publish innovative thinkers and host thought-provoking events.
demos.co.uk
July 20, 2025 at 7:59 AM
I analysed hundreds of X posts about the Southport riots which received Community Notes. They were full of racism and Islamophobic hate that fuelled far right violence
Yet only 4.6% of the Community Notes we analysed were made public during the riots
Community Notes are not fit for purpose
Yet only 4.6% of the Community Notes we analysed were made public during the riots
Community Notes are not fit for purpose
Reposted by Jamie Hancock
🚨 New report: Researching the Riots - evaluating #CommunityNotes during the 2024 Southport riots.
Demos research explores how the abject failure of moderation systems left #misinformation and harmful content to spread unchecked during the 2024 #SouthportRiots.
Read here ⬇️
Demos research explores how the abject failure of moderation systems left #misinformation and harmful content to spread unchecked during the 2024 #SouthportRiots.
Read here ⬇️
Researching the riots: An evaluation of the efficacy of Community Notes during the 2024 Southport riots
Demos is Britain’s leading cross-party think-tank. We produce original research, publish innovative thinkers and host thought-provoking events.
demos.co.uk
July 15, 2025 at 7:40 AM
🚨 New report: Researching the Riots - evaluating #CommunityNotes during the 2024 Southport riots.
Demos research explores how the abject failure of moderation systems left #misinformation and harmful content to spread unchecked during the 2024 #SouthportRiots.
Read here ⬇️
Demos research explores how the abject failure of moderation systems left #misinformation and harmful content to spread unchecked during the 2024 #SouthportRiots.
Read here ⬇️
Reposted by Jamie Hancock
🧵 Just finished reading Upgrading Democracy by @pollycurtis.bsky.social at @demos-uk.bsky.social .
It’s a sharp, hopeful intervention in the face of democratic breakdown, and it aligns in profound ways with the epistemic collapse I’ve been tracking in my own work.
demos.co.uk/wp-content/u...
It’s a sharp, hopeful intervention in the face of democratic breakdown, and it aligns in profound ways with the epistemic collapse I’ve been tracking in my own work.
demos.co.uk/wp-content/u...
July 2, 2025 at 8:31 AM
🧵 Just finished reading Upgrading Democracy by @pollycurtis.bsky.social at @demos-uk.bsky.social .
It’s a sharp, hopeful intervention in the face of democratic breakdown, and it aligns in profound ways with the epistemic collapse I’ve been tracking in my own work.
demos.co.uk/wp-content/u...
It’s a sharp, hopeful intervention in the face of democratic breakdown, and it aligns in profound ways with the epistemic collapse I’ve been tracking in my own work.
demos.co.uk/wp-content/u...
Reposted by Jamie Hancock
The UK government has found its welfare reforms may push 250,000 people into relative poverty by 2030
My new report looks at people's experiences of financial hardship and their response to welfare news online. It is critical that decision makers hear their voices
demos.co.uk/research/i-f...
My new report looks at people's experiences of financial hardship and their response to welfare news online. It is critical that decision makers hear their voices
demos.co.uk/research/i-f...
‘I feel let down’: An online forum listening exercise revealing how people are talking about financial hardship
Demos is Britain’s leading cross-party think-tank. We produce original research, publish innovative thinkers and host thought-provoking events.
demos.co.uk
June 20, 2025 at 9:25 AM
The UK government has found its welfare reforms may push 250,000 people into relative poverty by 2030
My new report looks at people's experiences of financial hardship and their response to welfare news online. It is critical that decision makers hear their voices
demos.co.uk/research/i-f...
My new report looks at people's experiences of financial hardship and their response to welfare news online. It is critical that decision makers hear their voices
demos.co.uk/research/i-f...
Reposted by Jamie Hancock
Join the network to:
🗞️ Receive our weekly Friday ESN newsletter
🎤 Get early invites to upcoming events
💬 Apply to join our monthly meetings to learn from one another and collaborate on shared advocacy campaigns
❗ Tell us your top concerns about today's information ecosystem
🗞️ Receive our weekly Friday ESN newsletter
🎤 Get early invites to upcoming events
💬 Apply to join our monthly meetings to learn from one another and collaborate on shared advocacy campaigns
❗ Tell us your top concerns about today's information ecosystem
Epistemic Security Network
Demos is Britain’s leading cross-party think-tank. We produce original research, publish innovative thinkers and host thought-provoking events.
demos.co.uk
June 20, 2025 at 9:23 AM
Join the network to:
🗞️ Receive our weekly Friday ESN newsletter
🎤 Get early invites to upcoming events
💬 Apply to join our monthly meetings to learn from one another and collaborate on shared advocacy campaigns
❗ Tell us your top concerns about today's information ecosystem
🗞️ Receive our weekly Friday ESN newsletter
🎤 Get early invites to upcoming events
💬 Apply to join our monthly meetings to learn from one another and collaborate on shared advocacy campaigns
❗ Tell us your top concerns about today's information ecosystem
The UK government has found its welfare reforms may push 250,000 people into relative poverty by 2030
My new report looks at people's experiences of financial hardship and their response to welfare news online. It is critical that decision makers hear their voices
demos.co.uk/research/i-f...
My new report looks at people's experiences of financial hardship and their response to welfare news online. It is critical that decision makers hear their voices
demos.co.uk/research/i-f...
‘I feel let down’: An online forum listening exercise revealing how people are talking about financial hardship
Demos is Britain’s leading cross-party think-tank. We produce original research, publish innovative thinkers and host thought-provoking events.
demos.co.uk
June 20, 2025 at 9:25 AM
The UK government has found its welfare reforms may push 250,000 people into relative poverty by 2030
My new report looks at people's experiences of financial hardship and their response to welfare news online. It is critical that decision makers hear their voices
demos.co.uk/research/i-f...
My new report looks at people's experiences of financial hardship and their response to welfare news online. It is critical that decision makers hear their voices
demos.co.uk/research/i-f...
Reposted by Jamie Hancock
Centralized control over key information infrastructures is a systemic risk.
💬 "Today’s tech billionaires are capable of disrupting the information supply chains that underpin democracies worldwide."
🖋️ @j-hancock.bsky.social writes for @techpolicypress.bsky.social on the threat that big tech companies pose to our democracies. ⬇️ www.techpolicy.press/tech-oligarc...
🖋️ @j-hancock.bsky.social writes for @techpolicypress.bsky.social on the threat that big tech companies pose to our democracies. ⬇️ www.techpolicy.press/tech-oligarc...
Tech Oligarchy Imperils Democratic Information Flows | TechPolicy.Press
The risk the tech oligarchy poses to democratic information supply chains is systemic rather than individual, writes Jamie Hancock.
www.techpolicy.press
June 10, 2025 at 12:45 PM
Centralized control over key information infrastructures is a systemic risk.
It’s now clear that tech billionaires like Musk and Zuckerberg are an oligarchy
Their wealth, control over information infrastructures, and political leverage threatens democracies worldwide
You can read more in my piece for @techpolicypress.bsky.social
www.techpolicy.press/tech-oligarc...
Their wealth, control over information infrastructures, and political leverage threatens democracies worldwide
You can read more in my piece for @techpolicypress.bsky.social
www.techpolicy.press/tech-oligarc...
Tech Oligarchy Imperils Democratic Information Flows | TechPolicy.Press
The risk the tech oligarchy poses to democratic information supply chains is systemic rather than individual, writes Jamie Hancock.
www.techpolicy.press
June 10, 2025 at 10:43 AM
It’s now clear that tech billionaires like Musk and Zuckerberg are an oligarchy
Their wealth, control over information infrastructures, and political leverage threatens democracies worldwide
You can read more in my piece for @techpolicypress.bsky.social
www.techpolicy.press/tech-oligarc...
Their wealth, control over information infrastructures, and political leverage threatens democracies worldwide
You can read more in my piece for @techpolicypress.bsky.social
www.techpolicy.press/tech-oligarc...